Tuesday, 8 October 2013

The Hexbug: Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set Review

Up until recently Hexbug's were one of those toy phases that I had merely heard about in passing conversation. It was only at the Christmas in July event that I actually discovered the wondrous ways of what fun they can actually be, and just how clever these little robotic toys actually are.

We had a sample in our goodie bag from the Christmas event so that we could have a sneak peak into what these little bugs are all about, and I have to say that they went down a storm with both the toddler and the cat! Unfortunately this Hexbug went missing on that very same night after the cat carried him off somewhere for him to never be seen again... I have a sneaky suspicion that he is somewhere in the kitchen, but where is beyond me.

While at Christmas in July I was given a preview into the new V2 Hexbug's, these bug's are a step up from the originals as they can now climb! Yes, the robot bugs can now actually climb up tubes, upside down and back out of the tube again.

With Christmas coming up I am sure these new V2 bugs are going to be cropping up on many boy's and girl's bulging Christmas letters to Santa Clause, so I am going to share my personal experience with the new Hexbug: Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set so that you can find out all there is to know about these robotic creatures.

You can purchase additional Hexbug's to go alongside the sets, and we were lucky enough to be sent another Christmas Hexbug identical to the one that got carried away by the cat. We have been a bit more precious about playing with the Hexbug's this time around, now we now that the cat is also a big fan.

I have to start with saying that Hexbug are for children aged 3 and up, so although Leo adores these bugs, and is more than happy to just watch them run around, up and over... I haven't reviewed them with him. I have actually tried them out with his 4 year old cousin so that I can give you a first hand account from the targeted age range.

What is included with the Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set?

- 1 Nano V2 Bug

- 1 Straight Tube

- 4 Curved Tubes

- 1 Hex Cell Base (removable walls and gates)

- 2 Curved Tracks

Leo's cousin who will be given the nickname of Bam for the purpose of this review was very pleased to be my tester for this product, he has never played with a Hexbug before so this was a real experience for him. Bam was sat right next to me during the set up process that takes no more than five minutes and before long he had switched the Hex Bug on and set it down in his habitat for him to explore. What I thought was really great in the initial set up was that the battery was included in the initial price and was already in the bug so that Bam could play straight away. All to often these days batteries are not included in the pack, and if you don't realise this before you get the toy home, you can be left with one very disappointed child. For me the included battery was a really nice touch, and I know that Bam was very grateful to be able to get playing straight away.

Bam has been telling me just how much fun the set is and every time we see him he has been telling me all about what his bug has been getting up to. Bam loves it when the Hexbug disappears up the tube and comes out of the other side. I have to say that this is my favourite bit to this toy, I think it is rather amazing that this robot bug can actually climb up, turn upside down and make his way back down to continue scarpering around the habitat.

The V2 Bug has the ability to climb because of a very simple addition, would you believe that by adding in 'feelers' similar to the legs, on the back of the bug it can now vibrate up the tube while the back 'feelers' bounce off the walls allowing them to climb. I find it all incredibly clever, and cannot believe just how much technology is crammed into one Hexbug.

Hexbug have provided a really detailed 'How It works' section, and here is a little snippet to explain how the bug gets around.

'How it works. The motor inside the Nano rotates a counterweight that causes forces up and down. The down force causes the legs to bend and the Nano moves forward. The up force causes the creature to hop lifting the front legs off the ground and allowing the legs to unbend. This up and down movement repeats several hundred times per second causing the Nano to move forward. The Nano creature's ability to flip over by itself is due to the rotating forces caused by the motor and the unique internal and external chassis design (and a little magic).'

The Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set

The Nano V2 Gravity Loops Set is a really good starter set for a child who has never had a Hexbug before. It comes with everything you need to give the Hexbug space to dart around and show off it's true capabilities. I think it is a great size (and Bam has agreed with me on this). The Hex Cell gives provides a flat confined space where the Hexbug is free to run around and change direction. This is assisted by the cell dividers that you can move around to persuade the Hexbug where you want him to go. There is an additional piece of circular track that let's the Hexbug go out of the initial Hex Cell and loop back in again, and then when he is ready to really show off he will disappear up and over the tube.

The sides of the Hex Cell have white plastic doors that you can open and close to either keep the Hexbug confined to the Cell, or to let him escape into the great unknown. Of course this gives you the opportunity to add to the set as you collect more bugs and track.

For Bam this set has been perfect as it has given him a lot more than a starter set would, and it has provided a perfect confined space for him to let the Hexbug run free. On the odd occasions the Hexbug has escaped we have seen just how quick these bugs can move and quickly swiped him back up.

What do we think?

From a child's perspective, or from Bam's in this case I really cannot see what is not to love about a Hexbug? I know I as a child (or even now come to think of it) would have absolutely adored something like this. I can definitely see the new Hexbug V2 Sets being a very big hit this Christmas, and with a variety of different set's available there really is something for every budget. Whether you are looking for a stocking filler or main Christmas gift there really is something for every Hexbug lover, old and new.

In terms of the age range of 3+ for Hexbug's I would say this is a great guideline to go by when purchasing for little one's due to the small parts. Leo of course has had a play with these bugs while playing with his Cousin Bam, but he has always been supervised at all times to ensure that he doesn't have a silly moment with any of the equipment. Leo has always been very good at not putting things in his mouth, and absolutely loves it when Bam lets him help out.

From a parents perspective I think Hexbug's are fascinating to watch, they have a proper little scuttle that makes them comparable to Cockroaches. In fact Granny thinks they look so much like Cockroaches that she is a little un-nerved by them! I have seen just how much entertainment value Hexbug's bring to the table and the V2 Gravity Loops Set has definitely kept Bam out of his Mother's hair while he has been busy separating the original Hexbug from the V2 Hexbug. They do seem to get in each others way occasionally, especially as the original Hexbug doesn't have the capability to climb, so he is restricted to scarpering around the Hex Cell as the V2 shows off going upside down.

What really stands out to me with these set's is that you can keep building them up. I have noticed with the V2 Gravity Loop Set that there is the opportunity to add in extra track and join up different sets to make one big one. This is good to know as we can now get Bam additional Hexbug set's for Birthday's and Christmas, as it is a toy that he will get so much play value out of... and let's face it he is going to want more Hexbug's sooner or later to add to all of the fun and games.

For me personally I would certainly recommend looking into a set such as this one because there is not much in the price difference and you are definitely getting that little bit more for your money. The Hexbug V2 Gravity Loop Set retails at £17.78 on Amazon with FREE UK delivery, and I have to say that this is a great price for what is included in this set and definitely provides value for money.

GIVEAWAY TIME

Following on from my Hex Bug review I am very excited to announce that I have a Nano V2 Orbit Set to giveaway to one lucky reader! All you have to do in order to be in with a chance of winning this set (just in time for Christmas I hasten to add!) is fill in the Rafflecopter form below.

Please only enter this giveaway if you live within the United Kingdom. A winner willl be chosen at random on the condition they have completed the entry form honestly.Once a winner had been chosen you will be contacted via email, if you do not respond within 48 hours another winner will be picked at random and the original winner's notification will not be valid.

Disclaimer:I was sent the Hexbug Nano: V2 Gravity Loop for the purpose of this review. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

all my son has spoke about this year is hex bug and how hes big enough now for them and how he hopes Santa knows he old enough it started on the 7th of April the day after his birthday. fingers crossed Santa has heard ;)